Individual Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations, which was established in 1945 with the mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries. The UN operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of more than 44,000 employees. Its various agencies and programs work towards addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and human rights, with a focus on sustainable development and humanitarian assistance.

Job Overview:
The position of Individual Consultant is focused on supporting the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children (SRSG-VAC) in advancing the agenda to prevent and eliminate violence against children globally, with a particular emphasis on Africa. The consultant will play a crucial role in mobilizing political support, raising awareness, and promoting behavioral and social change to achieve measurable progress in this area. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Chief of Staff and will be involved in various activities, including collaboration with partners, research, advocacy, and the development of awareness materials. The role is expected to last for three months and will require a proactive approach to engage with multiple stakeholders, including Member States, civil society, and children themselves, to ensure meaningful participation and effective implementation of initiatives aimed at ending violence against children.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Individual Consultant include:

• Supporting collaboration with partners in the African region to enhance efforts against violence towards children.
• Promoting gender equality and integrating gender-responsive approaches, particularly at the intersection of violence against children and gender-based violence.
• Developing and maintaining the Marketplace for Knowledge Sharing, which involves liaising with Member States to facilitate knowledge exchange.
• Strengthening children's participation, especially for vulnerable groups in Africa, ensuring their voices are heard in relevant discussions and initiatives.
• Contributing to research and evidence generation, including the dissemination of promising practices related to violence against children.
• Supporting advocacy efforts and the development of awareness materials to raise public consciousness about the issue.
• Assisting in the implementation and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, ensuring alignment with the goals related to violence against children.
• Contributing to the preparation of SRSG reports, thematic studies, events, and country visits, providing insights and recommendations based on research and fieldwork.
• Performing other related duties as required to support the overall mission of the SRSG-VAC.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Individual Consultant position include:

• An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in law, political science, economics, international relations, social sciences, or a related field. A first-level degree with relevant experience may be accepted in lieu.
• A minimum of three years of relevant experience in international development, human rights, or related fields, demonstrating a strong understanding of the issues at hand.
• A background in economics to support evidence-based advocacy efforts.
• Strong analytical, research, and writing skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear and actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and drafting abilities, essential for producing reports and advocacy materials.
• Knowledge of international human rights frameworks, especially those pertaining to children's rights, is crucial for this role.
• The ability to work effectively in multicultural environments, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and adaptability.
• Strong computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Office, databases, and internet tools, to facilitate research and communication.
• A self-motivated approach with the ability to meet tight deadlines and work independently. 1
• A results-oriented mindset with strong collaboration skills to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders. 1
• A commitment to learning, innovation, and accountability in all aspects of work. 1
• The ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to various audiences. 1
• Prior experience with the UN or international organizations is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Individual Consultant position includes an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as law, political science, economics, international relations, or social sciences. Candidates with a first-level degree and substantial relevant experience may also be considered, indicating that practical experience can complement formal education in this role.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the Individual Consultant position is a minimum of three years in relevant fields such as international development, human rights, or related areas. This experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of the issues surrounding violence against children and the ability to engage effectively with various stakeholders, including government entities, civil society organizations, and children themselves. Experience in advocacy, research, and program implementation is highly valued, as is familiarity with international human rights frameworks and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required for this position, as these languages are essential for communication and collaboration within the UN system and with international partners. Knowledge of another UN language is considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and contribute to multilingual initiatives.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for three months, and it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. This ensures that the recruitment process is accessible and equitable for all candidates. The position may involve full-time commitment, and the consultant will be expected to work collaboratively with various teams and stakeholders to achieve the objectives set forth by the SRSG-VAC.